Deadman’s Island is a remarkable coastal place because it is one of the few areas that have a variety of ecological habitats in one area as well as historic cultural resources. The area is a migratory bird drop zone, coastal marine oak hammock, a coastal barrier island surrounding a juncus sp. saltmarsh and also an area where native oysters will be enhanced by this restoration project. The entire Pensacola Bay is an active sportsfishing destination, both onshore and offshore. Deadman’s Island was donated to the City to be used as conservation only. The City is committed to preserve the natural character of Deadman’s Island.
Due to the rapid loss of the juncus saltmarsh which has provided a nursery for the sportsfish, the number of habitat and sports fish has declined. This area is ideal for the project due to large deeper water cove near the island. After the restoration project is complete the biodiversity and population of sportfish will increase 95% partly because the deeper water of Navy Cove are adjacent to the island and allows juveniles to migrate to the ocean safely.